School Committee ponders state directive

YORK — At a School Committee meeting Sept. 19, York Superintendent Henry Scipione said he had not yet heard from the Department of Education regarding a letter sent by Commissioner Susan Gendron.

Lynn Szymanski

YORK — At a School Committee meeting Sept. 19, York Superintendent Henry Scipione said he had not yet heard from the Department of Education regarding a letter sent by Commissioner Susan Gendron.

The letter, which is posted on the department Web site, stated that the district had complied with the law by filing an intent to consolidate with The Wells Ogunquit Community School District. It also, however, said York, the Kittery School District and MASAD 35 will be invited to meet with state officials to "discuss the long-term sustainability of the units within the region."

"I am not sure what it means at this point," Scipione told members of the School Committee, "we have to wait and see when the meeting will be held and how it will be structured."

The committee's response to the letter was strong.

"It's troubling given the time line of Dec. 1," said member John D'Aquila, referring to the deadline for districts to file formal consolidation plans with the state. "Any effort around working with Kittery and MSAD 35 is a distraction to the work with Wells Ogunquit."

Chairman Marilyn Zotos also voiced some frustration. "I'm concerned by this letter. The state made some suggestions, but said that it was our choice. I worry here that we've made a decision and if it is not palatable to the DOE that they are going to force us to do things," she said. Zotos added, "We need to make sure we are not in a position of being dictated to."

In the meantime, the committee has selected members for the Regional Planning Committee, which is the next step in formulating consolidation plans. After interviewing six candidates for two member-at-large positions, the district has chosen Maddy Buckless and Steve Hamel.

Each community will have four representatives on the committee, with School Board member Tim Fitzgerald and Board of Selectman member Dwight Bardwell rounding out York's representation.

The planning committee's first meeting was Monday at York Middle School. The committee hopes to have a completed plan by Nov. 21.

Meeting board approval, the plan will then go to York voters Jan. 15, 2008.

Advertise

Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted.
seacoastonline.com ~ 111 New Hampshire Ave., Portsmouth, NH 03801 ~ Privacy Policy ~ Terms Of Service